Past Projects
Market Incentives and Financial Assistance Programs for Florida Landowners
University of Florida, Department of Forest Resources & Conservation
December 2024 - August 2025
Dr. Kotryna Klizentyte
National Forests in Florida - National Forest Foundation. (n.d.). National Forests Foundation.
Research Focus:
This project examines how market incentives and financial assistance programs influence conservation practices among Florida landowners. By researching existing incentive structures, policies, and funding opportunities, this work aims to better understand how economic tools can motivate sustainable land management and natural resource conservation. The ultimate goal is to help identify strategies that encourage landowners to balance economic goals with environmental stewardship.
Project Responsibilities:
As a Student Assistant Research Intern, I focus on researching and analyzing various landowner incentive programs across Florida. My responsibilities include conducting policy research, reviewing financial assistance frameworks, and assessing their effectiveness in promoting conservation outcomes. I compile and interpret relevant data, draft summaries, and contribute to outreach materials intended to inform landowners and policymakers alike. I am also working toward publishing our findings through UF’s EDIS (Electronic Data Information Source of UF/IFAS Extension) to broaden the impact of this work and support evidence-based decision-making.
Research Context:
By exploring how financial and market-based incentives can drive sustainable land use, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of practical conservation solutions. The findings are intended to help inform future policies and outreach strategies, supporting landowners who play a critical role in protecting Florida’s diverse ecosystems.
Exploring Neurodiversity and Fauxductivity in the Workplace: Impacts on Employee Performance and Recruitment for Generation Z
University of Florida, Active Learning Program
Fall 2024
Research Focus:
This project focuses on understanding the relationship between neurodiversity, fauxductivity (the appearance of productivity without meaningful outcomes), and their impacts on employee performance and workplace inclusion. By collecting and analyzing data on neurodiversity in professional environments, this research highlights the unique challenges neurodivergent employees face and examines how workplace cultures can better support authentic productivity. A key goal of this work is to encourage awareness and practical strategies for fostering more inclusive hiring and retention practices, particularly for members of Generation Z entering the workforce.
Project Responsibilities:
As an intern in the Active Learning Program, I contributed to the full research cycle by collecting and analyzing data on neurodiversity in the workplace. I synthesized our findings into a poster presentation and Capstone project that explored how fauxductivity impacts employee outcomes for neurodivergent individuals. I also organized and hosted a public webinar featuring TEDx speakers to create space for open discussions on neurodiversity, its misconceptions, and best practices for inclusive workplaces. Additionally, I helped strengthen community-based initiatives to identify and resolve recruitment challenges faced by Generation Z, connecting research insights with real-world solutions.
Research Context:
This research addresses timely questions about how workplaces can adapt to the diverse needs of neurodivergent employees while challenging surface-level productivity expectations. By focusing on Generation Z, the project also sheds light on the evolving priorities and barriers that shape recruitment and retention for the newest generation of workers.